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There were several reports of damage, such as downed trees or power lines, and many power outages as lightning strikes lit up the night sky.

A family of nine was uninjured when lightning struck their home on Mill Street in Braddock. "They were downstairs watching TV and heard a loud bang and jolt through the house," said Braddock Volunteer Fire Department Chief Tom Petrovic.

As of 5 a.m., Duquesne Light reported 6,600 customers were still without service, down from a high of 13,000. The power company did not give an estimated time for when service would be fully restored.

About 70 residents of the Home Avenue Apartments in Avalon had to evacuate their units in the early morning hours after six feet of water filled the basement of the building. Officials say a sump pump broke, so the water had nowhere to go. The water also caused a boiler to stop functioning, meaning carbon monoxide gas began leaking into the building.

Residents were taken to the public library next door. No one was hurt.

Traffic lights were not working on Route 28, in parts of Swissvale, Frankstown Road in Penn Hills, Leechburg Road in Lower Burrell and Route 366 in New Kensington.

In Highland Park, a large tree fell on North Sheraden Avenue and was lying across power and cable lines. A tree also fell on Fern Hollow Road in Sewickley Heights.

In Mount Oliver, a bell tower at the top of an apartment building on Hayes Street was struck by lightning. The building had to be evacuated but residents were later allowed to return.

In Murrysville, Pleasant Valley Road was closed near Roundtop Road because of a tree and wires across the road.

In Upper St. Clair, downed power lines were reported on Mayview Road between Morrow Road and Sky Ridge Drive. Fallen wires were also reported on Becks Run Road at Madeline Road in Carrick.

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